“This contract demonstrates the progress made on the DDG 1000 program with the integration of AGS technology onto now a third DDG 1000 destroyer,” said Dave Johnson, director of the DDG 1000 program for BAE Systems. “The AGS is critical in supporting the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ expeditionary and joint operations against a wide range of littoral and deep inland targets.”

The AGS is a 155mm, vertically loaded gun mount that is capable of storing, programming and firing the Long Range Land Attack Projectile (LRLAP). It is a fully automated weapon system that can fire 10 rounds per minute with ranges greater than 60 nautical miles.

The AGS rounds are drawn from a fully-automated, below-deck weapon handling and storage system holding up to 300 rounds. By eliminating the need for personnel in the magazine, the AGS design supports the U.S. Navy's goals to significantly reduce overall crew requirements and increase crew safety.

BAE Systems designed, built and integrated four AGS’ to date for the first two DDG 1000 destroyers in the Zumwalt class fleet. Under this contract, work will be complete by January 2018 and performed at BAE Systems’ Louisville, Kentucky and Cordova, Alabama facilities.